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Shanghai is China's most comprehensive industrial and commercial city, ranking
the first in population and population density. As a tourist city, it attracts
travelers from both home and abroad by its commercial activity rather than
scenic beauty.
Climate
Weather during November to April is the coldest and temperatures range between
3.5oC to 13.7oC (38.3oF to 56.7oF). Weather in May, June, September and October
is cooling, ranging between 18.6oC to 23.5oC (65.5oF to 74.3oF). Climate
in July and August starts to turn warm and temperature can go up to 28oC
(82.4oF).
Clothing
Dressing in Shanghai is casual but modest. Bring along some heavy clothing
for the winter whereas light clothing is adequate during summer.
Currency
The currency in China is Renminbi. Credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted
in hotels and major shops.
Customs
Visitors to China must fill out a customs form upon arrival. When you enter
the country you are asked to declare electrical goods and luxury items such
as cameras, computer equipment etc. Keep this form until you exit to avoid
paying duty on goods you brought into the country. There are no restrictions
on the amount of foreign currency you can bring into the country. However,
one must declare any cash exceeding US$5,000 or the equivalent.
Electricity
Electricity is supplied at 220 volts, 50 cycles.
Emergency Call Numbers
Police
110
Fire Services
119
Ambulance
120
Health
Visitors to China are required to fill in a health declaration form at the
Customs. Medical facilities are generally adequate in Shanghai. It is advisable
to drink only boiled and bottled water.
Local Area Information
Shanghai is situated on the bank of the Yangtze River Delta, with East River
in the east and Hangzhou delta in the south. Housing a population of over
16 million at present, it was once a small town supported by fishing and
weaving before the first Opium War. Late in 1990, the central government
started developing the area, and has since became the well-known booming
metropolis city.
Mobile Phones
Network accepted in Shanghai is GSM.
Public Phones
In China, telephoning is relatively easy if you adhere to certain procedures.
The best way to place a phone call is to go to the local post office. At
most places it is possible to dial directly, in other places you have to
ask the operator. There are now public phone booths where you can make calls
with a phonecard.
Shopping and Business Hours
Shops are usually open from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. everyday.
Banks and Government offices
Banks and Government offices are open from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. from Mondays
to Fridays only.
Offices
Commercial offices are open from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.
Taxes
Taxes are not applicable.
Time Zone
GMT + 8
Tipping
It is not a custom to tip and not necessary to do so.
Airport
Hongqiao International Airport in western Shanghai, about 15 kilometers from
the city center, handles all international flights. By taxi, the trip from
the airport will take you about 30 min. to an hour. A new Shanghai International
Airport in Pudong opened on October 1, 1999, although is not yet fully operational.
Visas
Consult the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country to arrange for
a visa. A tourist visa is valid for 90 days but can be extended for 30 days.
For business visa extensions, you'll need to bring your passport and registration
of temporary residency from your hotel, plus a letter from the business that
invited you, to the Public Security Bureau (PSB) Division for Aliens at 333
Wusong Lu (tel: 6357-6666) on weekdays from 9 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m..
Currency
The RMB (Renminbi) is the official currency. The basic unit of RMB is the yuan
(¥), also known as "kuai," divided into 10 jiao, which is again
divided into 10 fen. Yuan notes come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, and 100. Click here
for currency conversion.
Credit Cards
Most major credit cards -- including American Express, Diner's Club, Federal
Card, JCB, MasterCard and Visa -- are accepted at hotels and certain restaurants
and shops.
Tipping
Tipping is generally not expected in mainland China. For more information on
business and social etiquette in Shanghai, click here.
Useful Numbers
Police: 110
Fire Department: 119
Public Security Bureau: 6357-6666
Visa Card Hotline: 10-800-110-2911
MasterCard Hotline: 10-800-11-0-7309 (only in certain provinces)
Electricity
The voltage is 220 volts, 50 cycles. Most luxury hotels have built-in converters
in bathrooms for shavers, hair dryers, etc. Otherwise, come equipped, because
a wide variety of plug types are used.
Health Risks
Pneumonia and influenza are common, although there is a limited risk -- according
to the government -- of hepatitis A and B, typhoid, polio, malaria, tuberculosis,
dengue fever, tetanus and rabies particularly in rural areas. In areas where
dengue or malaria is found, use mosquito nets or bug spray and wear clothing
that covers your entire body. Consider taking anti-malarial pills.
Time Zone
GMT + 8 hours, same as Singapore. The whole of China, including Hong Kong,
is set to Beijing time.
Banking Hours
Banks: Mondays to Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., although all foreign banks have
slightly different hours (Japanese banks tend to close at 4:30 p.m. and American
ones at 6 p.m.). Half days are the rule on Saturdays. For more information
on banking in Shanghai, click here.
Holidays
Jan. 1, New Year's Day; Jan. 24-26, Spring Festival Chinese New Year; March
8, International Women's Working Day; May 1-2, International Labor Day; May
4, Youth Day; June 1, Children's Day; July 1, Anniversary of the Founding
of the Communist Party; Aug. 1, Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese
PLA; Oct. 1-2, National Day. If you'd like to know more about China's customs
and culture, click here.
Climate
Shanghai summers are hot and humid with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius.
The rainy season begins in June. Fall is mostly mild. In winter (January
to February) temperatures can reach below freezing. Spring begins again in
March. Click here for 3-day weather forecast for Shanghai.
Clothing
Shanghai was once famous for its stylishness, but has been overtaken by a more
laid-back fashion sense over recent years. Recently, however, young executives
are trying to recapture the bygone era, what with more disposable income
and the arrival of brand-name fashion products.
GDP Growth Rate
Growth rate: 7.1% percent (1999)
Per capita: $3,600 (1998 est.)
Inflation
-0.8% (1998 est.)
Major Exports (1998)
electrical machinery and equipment, machinery and mechanical appliances, woven
apparel, knit apparel, footwear, toys and sporting goods
Major Trading Partners
Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, Germany, South Korea, the Russian Federation,
Singapore, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands
Major Industries
Manufacture of textiles, garments, footwear, toys, crude oil, household electrical
appliances, sports goods, telecommunication equipment, pharmaceuticals, steel
products, general metalwares and coal
Teledensity
14.4 persons per telephone
Government
Communist state. President and vice-president elected by the National People's
Congress for five-year terms. Administrative divisions: 23 provinces, 5 autonomous
regions and 4 municipalities
Geography
China is the fourth largest country after Russia, Canada and the United States.
It is located in Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow
Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam.
Land area: 9,326,410 sq. km.
Shanghai occupies 6,200 sq. km. and lies in central-eastern China, facing the
East China Sea.
Population
China: 1,246,871,951 (July 1999 est.)
Shanghai: 14 million
Ethnic Groups
Han Chinese make up the majority of China's population (91.9%). Zhuang, Uygur,
Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu, Mongol, Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities
make up only 8.1%.
Language
The official language in China is Mandarin but distinct dialects are spoken
throughout the country. Shanghainese speak Mandarin or Shanghaihua, however
most tourist hotels have staff who are fluent in foreign languages.
Literacy
94% (1998 est.)
Religion
China is officially atheist, but traditionally pragmatic and eclectic. Some
2% to 3% of the population practice Daoism (Taoism), Buddhism and Islam.
An estimated 1% are Christianians.
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